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Jun 4, 2017

Keep it simple....

SHINE Bible Reading Plan: Go here.New to SHINE: Go here to stay in the loop. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1,2

If there is one word I could use to describe the desire of my heart for this season, it would be...

Simplify.

The problem with simplifying is that it means taking out things. Letting go of things. Getting away from things that have been a normal part of my routine.

As the world goes on, life seems to get less simple by the minute. The irony is that new inventions in technology are to help "simplify" our lives. Yet, we find ourselves overwhelmed by all the "stuff" we accumulate trying to keep up with a fast paced world.

I remember when texting first came on the scene. I thought, "wow, now I can keep up with all of my friends so much easier!"

Yet, now I find that it is just another thing to add to my to-do list. Another minute out of my already full day.

**I love to text! But, I have found that it steals many, many moments of my time. Time that would be better spent soaking in the moment that I am currently in.

Face to face is so much sweeter. It is never wasted time to be sitting across from someone watching their facial expressions and listening to the hum of their voice telling a story. I never tire of conversations like that.

So, although a text would be so much faster, I find the simpler way is to reach out and go visit someone. Sit next to them or across from them and just enjoy their company.

Another way I am trying to simplify is with my time with God each day.

I used to have a table full of Christian devotional books next to me to read, underline, and try to absorb every ounce of knowledge from. I still love these books, but I have found that my Bible and my prayer journal is really all I need these days.

My nerdy nature loves to dig and read commentary on scripture passages. However, I have found that there is a time for that and there is a time for just sitting before the Lord. Just Him and me.

Simplify.

Even being a mother to my children, I can make complicated. Like, being anxious about how they are doing and turning out. Racking my brain on ways to be a better mom, a better teacher, and a better whatever to them.

I have noticed that sometimes they just want me in the room. No talking required. [this is hard for my verbal self]

Simplify.

Then, there is my marriage. Gosh, I could go on for days here.

So many years, let me repeat, so many years, I have tried to complicate things in my marriage. I would spend so much time trying to figure out how to make Lem be more _________. Whatever it was I was desiring him to be. Some of those things were: faithful, romantic, prayerful, discerning, loving...

I focused so much on trying to fit him in this mold...

When, I love the mold he already is! I married this mold! [to be clear: not the smelly fungus mold]

Somewhere along the way, I just got lost in what I "thought" Lem needed to be.

Lem is not perfect, and neither am I. By a long shot.

My desire to change him all of those years brought discontent to my heart.

Just love him. It's so simple.

When you love someone, you just love them. No strings attached. No games. No manipulation.

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39

Love God. Love your neighbor.

Last time I checked, Lem was my closest neighbor. We share a bed for heavens sake.

Simplify.

Just love our husbands. God will take care of the rest.

Do you need to simplify some stuff too?

Ask the Lord to help you.

He will.

**note to friends: I still want to text. but, hey, let's do coffee soon. :)

About SHINE

SHINE girls want to spread the gospel of JESUS CHRIST by SHINE-ing bright for all of the world to see! When we read His Word daily and hold each other accountable, we are walking closer and closer to His Light. Come SHINE with us!